The purple-striped jellyfish (Chrysaora colorata) is a large species (diameter up to 70 cm in length) found mostly off the coast of California. This species is easily distinguishable by its characteristic pattern of radial purple stripes, as well as a purple stripe on the edge of the bell. The bell of its body has eight slender but long tentacles on its edge. In the center of the bell are four very leafy oral arms, which can reach very considerable lengths – the largest specimen reported that I have been able to access in the literature sets the record for its length at 4.5 meters.
It is worth paying close attention if you have the opportunity to see one of these majestic jellyfish – be very careful because they are highly stinging. It is not uncommon to see juvenile crabs from genera Cancer among their tentacles, which find protection in the body of this jellyfish. In return, these crabs deworm the jellyfish of parasitic amphipods. Other species that we can frequently observe in association with Chrysaora colorata are juveniles of various species of pelagic fish.
The diet of Chrysaora colorata has been little studied. The available information mentions a varied diet consisting of zooplankton, invertebrates and fish eggs. These prey are captured thanks to specialized cells present mostly in its tentacles, called cnidocysts. These cells, at the slightest contact with any of their prey, fire a tiny harpoon, which captures and immobilizes the food, which is then transported to the mouthparts in the center of the bell. On the other hand, species such as the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) or the sunfish (Mola mola) frequently prey on Chrysaora colorata.
Reproduction of Chrysaora colorata occurs through the release of gametes into the water, where external fertilization takes place. Fertilized eggs develop into planulae larvae that settle to the seafloor and develop into polyps. Polyps can reproduce asexually by strobilation or budding, producing small jellyfish called ephirae that grow into adults.
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